All fired up

More than 500 Thai and international non-governmental organisations are campaigning against a tobacco exhibition scheduled next week in Bangkok, calling on Thai authorities not to support any activities by tobacco companies.

Dr Hathai Chitanont, head of the umbrella group representing all 500 NGOs, called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to order all government agencies to comply with a World Health Organisation protocol which restricts governments in all countries from supporting tobacco promotion.

The group has compiled more than 50,000 signatures of people opposed to TABINFO Asia 2009, being held at Impact Exhibition Centre next Wednesday and Thursday, and submitted them to the prime minister.

"Although we know we cannot stop the exhibition, we hope that a Cabinet decision will be taken ahead of the event to show that Thailand is well aware of these [tobacco] companies' campaigns and refuses to be a part of them," said Hathai.

He said that slogan motto being used among vendors that would be at the exhibition - "If You Win Thailand, You Win the World" - was an insult to Thais and Thailand.

The protocol also prohibits government agencies from receiving support or sponsorship of any kind from tobacco companies, Hathai said. He added that Thailand had never officially recognised the WHO protocol, and sponsorship from tobacco companies had been offered and granted to schools in the provinces regularly.

Chatchai Charnwiboolsri, head of a national grouping of pharmaceutical students, said tobacco companies were now using social networking sites popular among the youth to promote their products. "This method clearly shows their intention to target youths and women," he said.

Dr Somchaichote Piyawat-wela, secretary-general of the Rural Doctor Society, said all provincial public health offices were on the look-out for such activities, and would name and shame those responsible.